Haredi Parties Fail to Advance Police Violence Inquiry After Shocking Beatings in Bnei Brak

Three weeks after disturbing footage emerged showing Israeli police officers violently beating and stripping Haredi protesters on Geha Road near Bnei Brak, promises by Haredi political parties to address the issue have not materialized. The videos, which showed protesters lying on the road with torn pants and officers continuing to strike even subdued individuals, sparked widespread outrage in the Haredi community and condemnation from parties such as Shas and United Torah Judaism.

MK Uri Maklev of United Torah Judaism pledged to promote the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry committee to investigate the events. However, more than two weeks later, no parliamentary discussion has taken place. Maklev’s proposal to form the committee was unexpectedly removed from the Knesset agenda just hours before the scheduled debate, with no public explanation provided.

Meanwhile, MK Yoav Ben-Tzur submitted a motion highlighting the severe violence by uniformed officers against already subdued protesters. His proposal was approved by the Knesset and referred to the National Security Committee, chaired by MK Tzvika Fogel. Yet, Fogel has not convened any meeting on the matter, and no date has been set. The committee continues to hold sessions on other topics, including PTSD treatment for police officers and a special hearing on alleged selective enforcement and leniency towards terrorism by the Bar Association.

Political insiders expressed puzzlement over the delay, suggesting that with upcoming elections and the rise of Otzma Yehudit appealing to disillusioned Haredi voters, the committee chair may be reluctant to hold a public discussion that could expose claims of police bias and violence against the Haredi community, potentially harming his party’s electoral prospects.